In a world of lies and murder, how far would you go to become somebody else?
Watch the original version of The Talented Mr. Ripley
Prologue:
Tom Ripley had always felt out of place. Growing up in a small town, he never felt like he belonged. He yearned for something more, something that would make him feel alive. And that’s when the opportunity presented itself in the form of Herbert Greenleaf.
Greenleaf was a wealthy shipbuilder who was looking for someone to bring his son home from Italy. Tom saw this as an escape from his mundane life and jumped at the chance. Little did he know that this decision would lead him down a dangerous path of deceit, lies, and murder.
Chapter 1: “The Offer”
Tom Ripley sat at his desk, staring out of the window at the dull and dreary world beyond. He hated his job, hated his life, and hated himself. He longed for something more, something exciting, something that would make him feel alive.
As if in answer to his prayers, the phone rang, jolting him out of his daydreams. It was an offer from Herbert Greenleaf, a wealthy shipbuilder, who was looking for someone to bring his son, Dickie, back to America from Italy. Tom didn’t know the Greenleafs, but he didn’t care. This was his chance to escape his mundane life and start anew.
Tom accepted the offer, packed his bags and headed to Italy. He arrived in Rome, dressed in his best suit, and with a single suitcase. He felt nervous and out of place, but he had a job to do, and he was determined to do it.
A few days later, he arrived in the small town of Mongibello, where Dickie lived with his girlfriend, Marge. Tom was struck by the beauty of the town and the carefree lifestyle of its inhabitants. He felt envious of their seemingly perfect lives, and he longed to be a part of it.
Tom made his way to the hotel where Dickie and Marge were staying. He was nervous, but he tried to maintain his composure. He introduced himself to Dickie, who was charming and friendly, and the two men hit it off immediately.
Over the next few days, Tom spent his time with Dickie and Marge, getting to know them better. They showed him the sights of Mongibello and introduced him to their friends. Tom felt like he was finally part of something, and he reveled in the attention.
But Tom had a secret. He wasn’t just there to befriend Dickie and Marge. He was there to convince Dickie to come home to America. And he would do whatever it took to make that happen.
As the days went by, Tom’s plan started to take shape. He began to sow seeds of doubt in Dickie’s mind about his life in Italy. He talked about all the things he missed about America, and he painted a picture of a perfect life waiting for him back home.
Dickie was intrigued, but he wasn’t sure. He loved his life in Italy, and he wasn’t ready to leave it behind just yet. But Tom was persistent, and he continued to chip away at Dickie’s resolve.
And then, one day, something changed. Dickie started to pull away from Tom. He sensed that something wasn’t right, that Tom wasn’t who he claimed to be. Tom panicked. He knew that he was running out of time, and he had to act fast.
Tom’s plan would involve murder, and he knew he had to be careful. But he was desperate, and he would do whatever it took to get what he wanted. And so, Tom began his descent into a dark world of deceit and betrayal, where nothing was as it seemed, and the consequences were more significant than he could have ever imagined.
Chapter 2: “Arrival in Italy”
Tom Ripley had never left the States before, but as he stepped off the plane in Naples, he knew his life was about to change forever. He had been hired by Herbert Greenleaf to convince his son Dickie to return to the US from Italy, and Tom saw it as an opportunity to escape his mundane life. The Greenleafs had promised him a monthly stipend and the use of Dickie’s apartment in Naples. Tom was optimistic about his new life in Italy and eager to soak up the good life.
As he settled into his new life, Tom found himself enjoying the good life; he was living off the Greenleaf’s dime, eating in fancy restaurants, and enjoying the beautiful scenery. Naples was the perfect place to get lost and reinvent oneself. Tom decided to take on a new persona, a wealthy and charismatic young man who fit right in with the wealthy and elite residents of the city.
Tom had been given a letter of introduction from Herbert, and he planned to use it to get close to Dickie. He also made a point of researching Dickie’s interests and hobbies so that he could strike up a conversation with him. When Tom finally met Dickie, he was able to put his plan into action. Tom quickly wormed his way into Dickie’s life, and the two became fast friends.
As Tom spent more time with Dickie, he found himself drawn to his charismatic and carefree lifestyle. Dickie seemed to have everything that Tom had ever wanted: wealth, good looks, and an idyllic life in Italy. Tom started to become envious of Dickie and his relationship with his girlfriend, Marge. Tom longed for a life like Dickie’s but recognized that the only way to achieve it was to take it from him.
Tom began to manipulate his way into Dickie’s life and keep his true intentions hidden. He pretended to be interested in the same things as Dickie, and he would often invite him and Marge on expensive outings. Tom was smooth and charming, and he made it seem like he just wanted to be friends with them. As the days went on, Tom became more overbearing and possessive of Dickie, and their relationship began to sour.
Meanwhile, Marge became increasingly suspicious of Tom’s intentions, and she started to distance herself from him. She could sense that something wasn’t quite right with Tom and her boyfriend’s friendship. She even tried to confront Dickie about it, but he brushed it off, saying that Tom was just a harmless guy who wanted to fit in.
As Dickie started to pull away from Tom, tensions arose, and Tom’s facade began to slip. He would become agitated and flustered when Dickie didn’t want to spend time with him. Tom realized that he needed to come up with a plan to keep Dickie close. He couldn’t let him slip away, or his dreams of a new life would be shattered.
Tom’s thoughts began to consume him, and he became more and more desperate to make his plan work. He started to obsess over every detail of his life with Dickie in Italy. He would spend hours thinking about the perfect plan to get rid of Dickie, and he knew that it would have to be foolproof.
Tom’s manipulation continued, and he became more and more possessive of Dickie. He would make excuses to keep him away from Marge and other friends, and Dickie started to feel suffocated by Tom’s presence. Tom knew he had to make a move soon before his plan imploded, but he wasn’t sure how to do it.
As Tom’s obsession grew, he started to lose sight of his true self. He had become so consumed with living a new life that he had forgotten who he was. The line between his true self and the persona he had created began to blur, and Tom started to fear that he was losing control of his carefully crafted life.
Despite his inner turmoil, Tom remained optimistic about his new life in Italy. He had never felt so alive, and he was determined to make it work, whatever the cost. As he looked out over the city from Dickie’s apartment, Tom knew that he was on the cusp of something big. He just had to be patient and wait for the right moment to strike.
Chapter 3: “Secrets Uncovered”
As Tom Ripley spent more time with Dickie and Marge, he struggled to keep up with his intricate web of lies. He had been living in Italy for a few weeks on the dime of wealthy shipbuilder Herbert Greenleaf, who had hired Tom to convince his playboy son, Dickie, to return to the US. Tom saw this as an opportunity to escape his mundane life and be someone else, but as he became more entangled in the lives of Dickie and Marge, he realized that keeping up his facade would be harder than he thought.
Tom had already started to reveal his true self to Dickie, showing him his secret talent for forgery and confessing that he had lied about his college education. Dickie started to pull away from Tom after their visit to Rome, sensing that something was off. Tom was aware of this shift but was determined to keep his manipulations in play.
Marge, on the other hand, was a different story. She was completely taken by Tom’s charms and saw him as a refreshing change from Dickie. Tom saw this as an opportunity to get closer to Dickie while keeping Marge under his thumb. He started to spend more time with her, taking her on outings and confiding in her. Tom knew that he couldn’t keep up his act forever, but he was determined to make it work.
As the days went by, tensions grew between Tom, Dickie, and Marge. Dickie started to become distant and stopped inviting Tom on his outings. Marge was starting to ask too many questions and was becoming more aware of the lies Tom had been telling. Tom knew he needed to do something to keep his plan in motion.
One day, while Marge was out, Tom invited himself over to Dickie’s apartment. He tried to catch him off guard, but Dickie was already on edge. As they sat down to talk, Dickie confronted Tom about his lies and his growing suspicions. Tom tried to smooth things over, but it only made Dickie more angry.
In a moment of panic, Tom lashed out and hit Dickie over the head with a heavy vase. Dickie fell to the ground, unconscious. Tom stood there for a moment, in shock at what he had done. He knew he had to act fast if he wanted to keep his plan in motion.
Tom dragged Dickie’s body to the bathroom and put him in the bathtub. He then cleaned up the blood and put the vase back into place. Tom’s heart was pounding as he tried to think of what to do next. He knew he needed to make it look like Dickie had left town on his own.
Tom went to Marge’s apartment and told her that Dickie had left for Naples. He told her that Dickie had been acting strange and that he needed some time alone. Marge was upset but believed Tom’s lies.
Tom then went to the police station and reported Dickie missing. He gave them a fake name and address for Dickie’s whereabouts. Tom thought he had covered his tracks, but he didn’t know that his lies were starting to unravel.
As the days went by, the police started to question Tom about Dickie’s disappearance. Tom tried to maintain his innocence, but he was starting to sweat. He knew that Marge was his weak point and that he needed to keep her under his control if he wanted to get away with murder.
Tom’s web of lies was starting to collapse, and he knew he needed to act fast. He had never been a violent person, but his desire to be someone else had pushed him to desperate measures. Tom was on the brink of losing everything, and he couldn’t let that happen.
Chapter 4: “The Plan”
Tom Ripley paced back and forth in his hotel room, trying to come up with the perfect plan. He knew what he had to do, but the thought of murder made his hands shake. He took a deep breath and sat down at the table in the corner of the room, staring out the window at the beautiful Italian coast. He began to formulate his plan, one step at a time.
First, he needed to get Marge on his side. She was the key to making this plan work. Tom knew that Marge loved Dickie and would do anything to protect him. He needed to convince her that Dickie was in danger and that he was the only one who could protect him.
Tom prepared for his meeting with Marge, rehearsing his lines over and over in his head. When he arrived at her apartment, he was nervous, but he put on a brave face and stepped inside.
“Marge, we need to talk,” Tom said with a sense of urgency.
“What’s wrong, Tom?” Marge asked, concerned.
“I think Dickie is in danger. There are people who want to hurt him, and I believe they’re getting closer. I need your help to protect him.”
Marge listened intently, her eyes wide with fear. Tom had her right where he wanted her.
“What can I do to help?” Marge asked, her voice quivering.
“I need you to keep an eye on Dickie. Make sure he doesn’t go anywhere alone. We need to keep him safe.”
Marge nodded, her face serious.
“I’ll do anything to protect him, Tom. Anything at all.”
Tom smiled, relieved. He had successfully manipulated Marge, and now it was time to put his plan into action.
The next step was to get Dickie alone, away from Marge. Tom knew that this wouldn’t be easy, but he had a plan. He invited Dickie on a boat ride, telling him that he wanted to show him something. Dickie was hesitant at first, but Tom was persistent. He finally agreed, and they set off on their adventure.
As they sailed out to sea, Tom waited for the perfect moment to strike. He had brought a hammer with him, and he knew that this would be his only chance to make his move.
“Tom, where are we going?” Dickie asked, looking around at the vast expanse of water.
“Just wait, Dickie. You’re going to love this,” Tom replied, his voice calm and even.
Suddenly, Tom pulled out the hammer and swung it at Dickie’s head. Dickie fell to the ground, blood gushing from his wound. Tom panicked, not knowing what to do. He grabbed a rock and hit Dickie again and again until he was sure that he was dead.
Tom dragged Dickie’s lifeless body to the edge of the boat and pushed it into the water. He felt sick to his stomach, but he knew that this was the only way to make his plan work.
As Tom sailed back to shore, he felt a sense of relief wash over him. He had done it. He had gotten rid of Dickie, and he had done it without getting caught. But the relief was short-lived. Tom knew that the police would start to investigate, and he needed to be careful. He had to make sure that he covered his tracks and didn’t do anything to arouse suspicion.
Tom cleaned the boat, making sure that there was no evidence left behind. He threw the hammer and the rock overboard, hoping that they would never be found. He then went back to his hotel room and tried to act as if nothing had happened.
But Tom’s plan was far from perfect. Marge was suspicious, and she started to ask questions. Tom did his best to deflect, but he knew that his lies were falling apart. He needed to think of something quickly before it was too late.
As Tom sat in his hotel room, thinking about his next move, he heard a knock at the door. He opened it to find a police officer standing on the other side.
“We need to talk, Mr. Ripley,” the officer said, his voice stern.
Tom’s heart raced as he followed the officer out of the hotel room. He knew that this was it. The police had finally caught up to him, and there was no way out. Tom realized that the consequences of his actions would be severe, and he had no one to blame but himself.
As Tom was escorted to the police station, he thought about his life and the choices he had made. He realized that his desire to be someone else had cost him everything. He had lost his freedom, his friends, and his sanity. He knew that he would spend the rest of his life in prison, and he had no one to blame but himself.
Tom Ripley had always wanted to be somebody else. Now, he was somebody else entirely. He was a murderer, a liar, and a cheat. He had become everything that he hated, and he had done it all for nothing. In the end, Tom Ripley’s life was nothing but a tragic story of deceit and betrayal.
Chapter 5: “Desperate Measures”
Tom couldn’t believe that his plan to eliminate Dickie wasn’t going according to plan. Marge was proving to be more difficult than he anticipated, and he was growing increasingly desperate. He knew he had to act fast because time was running out. Every moment he spent with Marge was a risk. But he also knew he had to keep up appearances.
Tom was putting on a brave face while inwardly panicking. He focused all his energy on fooling Marge into believing that he had Dickie’s best interests at heart. He had to be careful not to let his true intentions show. He had to keep up the charade.
One morning, Tom woke up to find Marge staring at him. He knew that he had to keep his cool. “Good morning,” he said with a smile.
“Tom, can we talk?” Marge asked.
“Of course,” Tom replied. He tried to sound casual, but inwardly, he was praying that Marge wouldn’t discover his true intentions.
“Tom, I don’t think you’re being honest with me,” Marge said.
Tom’s heart skipped a beat. “What do you mean?” he asked.
“I mean, I think you know more about Dickie’s disappearance than you’re letting on,” Marge said. “I want to believe that you’re a good person, but I can’t ignore the fact that you’ve been acting strangely since we got back from Rome.”
Tom tried to stay calm, but he could feel a knot forming in his stomach. He knew he had to tread carefully. “Marge, I swear to you that I don’t know anything about what happened to Dickie,” he said. “I’ve been trying to help find him just like you.”
Marge looked at him skeptically. “I don’t know, Tom. I just don’t know.”
Tom knew he had to do something drastic. He couldn’t let Marge get in the way of his plan. He needed her on his side, and he knew he had to manipulate her if he wanted to succeed.
“Look, Marge, I understand that you’re worried about Dickie, but I promise you that I’m doing everything in my power to find him,” Tom said. “I care about him, just like you do.”
Marge looked at him for a moment before finally nodding. “Okay, Tom. I’ll trust you for now.”
Tom breathed a sigh of relief. He knew that he had dodged a bullet, but he also knew that he couldn’t let his guard down. He had to be even more careful now.
Over the next few days, Tom was extra careful around Marge. He knew that he had to keep her on his side and make her believe that he was on her side. He spent hours with her, talking about Dickie and sharing stories about their time in Italy. It was exhausting, but he knew that he had to keep up the facade.
But as the days went on, Tom began to realize that Marge wasn’t as easy to manipulate as he thought. She was smart and perceptive, and she could see through his lies. Tom knew that he had to come up with something else if he wanted to succeed.
One day, while Marge was out of the house, Tom went through Dickie’s things. He searched every inch of the room, looking for something that would help him in his plan. And then he found it – Dickie’s passport.
Tom knew that he had struck gold. With the passport, he could create a fake identity for himself and make his way out of Italy undetected. It was risky, but it was his only chance.
Tom spent hours studying the passport, trying to memorize every detail. He practiced his new identity, rehearsing the things that he would say and the lies that he would tell. He knew that he had to be convincing.
The next day, Tom put his plan into action. He packed a bag with a few essentials and left the house. He went to the train station and bought a ticket for Rome. He used Dickie’s passport to create a new identity for himself, calling himself “David Stone.”
Tom felt a sense of excitement as he stepped onto the train. He was leaving Italy, leaving Marge and Dickie behind. He was making a run for it, and he knew that he had to be careful.
As the train pulled away from the station, Tom couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief. He had escaped Italy, but he also knew that he had left a trail of lies and deceit behind him. He didn’t know what the future held, but he knew that it wasn’t going to be easy.
Tom leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes. He didn’t know what was going to happen next, but he did know one thing – he was free.
Chapter 6: “The Murder”
Tom had done it. He had killed Dickie Greenleaf and now he was in a world of trouble. He felt a wave of nausea as he thought about what he had done. He had never imagined himself capable of such a heinous act, but he had done it to save his own skin.
Tom dragged the body of Dickie to the boat and dumped it overboard. He wiped his fingerprints off everything and tried to make the boat look as if it was just left there by a careless teenager. He knew he had to act fast and get back to shore before anyone found out.
As he made his way back to the house, his mind raced. He had to come up with a story, an alibi, something to explain his absence and the disappearance of Dickie. He tried to remain calm, but his heart was pounding in his chest.
Back at the house, Tom found Marge waiting for him. She could see the fear in his eyes and knew something was wrong. Tom tried to play it cool and told her that he had been out for a walk and lost track of time. Marge was suspicious, but Tom managed to convince her that everything was okay.
Tom knew he had to get rid of Marge as soon as possible. She was a liability, someone who could potentially expose him. He came up with a plan to get her out of the picture and make it look like she had left on her own.
The next day, Tom suggested to Marge that they take a trip to Rome. He told her he had some business to take care of and that it would be a nice change of scenery. Marge was apprehensive, but Tom was persistent and eventually convinced her to go.
In Rome, Tom put his plan into action. He took Marge to a bar and bought her a few drinks. He drugged her drink, and as she became more and more intoxicated, he suggested that they go back to the hotel.
Back at the hotel, Tom waited for Marge to fall asleep. Once she was out, he packed his bags and left a note, making it look like Marge had left him. He knew it was cruel, but he had no other choice. He had to protect himself.
As Tom made his way back to the house in Italy, he felt a sense of relief. He had gotten rid of Marge, and he knew that the police would have a harder time finding evidence against him.
But he was wrong.
As the investigation into Dickie’s disappearance continued, the police started to close in on Tom. They had found some inconsistencies in his story, and they were starting to piece things together. Tom knew he was in trouble.
He tried to remain calm and collected, but it was getting harder and harder to keep up appearances. He could feel the weight of his actions bearing down on him, and he knew that the truth would eventually come out.
In the end, Tom was arrested and charged with the murder of Dickie Greenleaf. He had thought he could outsmart everyone, but he had been wrong. His desire to be someone else had cost him everything, and he knew that he would spend the rest of his life paying for his mistake.
Chapter 7: “The Aftermath”
The morning after Dickie’s murder, Tom wakes up to chaos. The apartment is swarming with police officers, and Tom tries to keep his cool as the investigation begins.
Tom maintains his innocence, but the police are suspicious of him. Tom tries to act as if nothing is wrong, and he tries to play his part as the concerned friend, but the harder he tries, the more suspicious he looks.
As the investigation continues, the police start to uncover some of Tom’s lies. They realize that he has been lying about his background and his relationship with Dickie. Tom knows that his lies are starting to unravel, and he becomes increasingly desperate to cover his tracks.
He starts to feel like everyone is watching him, and he becomes increasingly paranoid. He can’t relax, and he can’t help but think that the police are closing in on him.
Tom tries to deflect attention by pointing the finger at others, but it only makes things worse. The more he tries to blame others, the more culpable he looks.
As the days go by, Tom’s nerves start to fray. The stress of keeping up his lies is taking a toll on him. He starts to drink more, and he becomes increasingly reckless.
One night, Tom goes out drinking with a group of Dickie’s friends. He starts to let his guard down, and he confides in them about his relationship with Dickie. He tells them everything, including his plan to get rid of Dickie.
Tom’s words come back to haunt him. The next day, one of the friends goes to the police and tells them what Tom said. The police arrest Tom, and they bring him in for questioning.
Under interrogation, Tom tries to stick to his story, but the police are relentless. They keep probing, and eventually, Tom cracks. He admits to everything, including the murder of Dickie.
Tom’s confession sends shockwaves through the small Italian town, and the news of the murder spreads quickly. Marge is devastated when she hears the news, and she can’t believe that Tom was capable of such a thing.
The trial is quick, and Tom is found guilty of murder. He is sentenced to life in prison, and he is sent back to the U.S. to serve out his sentence.
In the end, Tom realizes that his desire to be someone else has cost him everything. He gave up his identity, his freedom, and his humanity to become someone he thought he wanted to be. But in the end, he was nothing more than a killer, a fake somebody who became a real nobody.
Chapter 8: “The Final Showdown”
Tom sat in the police station, his mind racing with thoughts of how he could get out of this mess. He knew he had made mistakes and that he had to face the consequences of his actions. He was scared, but he tried his best to act as if he had nothing to hide.
The police interrogated him for hours, asking him all sorts of questions about his relationship with Dickie, his whereabouts on the night of the murder, and his involvement in the events that led up to it. Tom answered their questions as truthfully as he could, but he knew that he was in trouble.
As the hours turned into days, Tom’s situation grew more and more precarious. He knew that the police had evidence against him, but he didn’t know what it was. He could feel the noose tightening around his neck, and he knew that it was only a matter of time before he was caught.
Finally, on the fourth day, the police broke him. They revealed the evidence they had against him- a bloody shirt that he had left in his apartment, fingerprints on the murder weapon, and a witness who had seen him arguing with Dickie on the night of the murder. Tom knew that he was finished.
Despite his fear, Tom did his best to remain calm and collected. He knew that he had to think of a way out of this situation, or he would spend the rest of his life in prison. He thought back to all of the lies he had told, all of the people he had manipulated, and all of the lives he had destroyed. He felt a deep sense of regret for what he had done.
As the trial approached, Tom’s lawyer advised him to plead guilty and throw himself on the mercy of the court. Tom knew that this was his only option, but he still couldn’t bring himself to do it. He felt like a failure- a fake somebody who had tried to be someone he wasn’t and had failed miserably.
Finally, the day of the trial arrived. Tom stood in front of the judge, dressed in a suit and tie, his eyes downcast. The judge looked down at him sternly, and Tom knew that he was in trouble.
The prosecutor stood up and laid out the case against Tom, listing all of the evidence that had been gathered against him. Tom’s heart sank as he listened. He knew that there was no way out of this.
When the prosecutor finished, Tom’s lawyer stood up and addressed the court. He pleaded with the judge to show mercy, to take into account Tom’s troubled past and difficult upbringing. He painted a picture of a young man who had made mistakes but who had the potential to change.
The judge listened to both sides carefully, then delivered his verdict. He sentenced Tom to life in prison, without the possibility of parole. Tom felt his world collapse around him as the gavel fell.
Over the years, Tom thought back to that day often. He remembered the fear he had felt, the regret, and the overwhelming sense of failure. He realized that he had been living a lie, that he had tried to be someone he wasn’t, and that it had cost him everything.
As he lay in his cell, year after year, Tom thought about all of the things he would do differently if he could go back in time. He thought about the people he had hurt, the lives he had destroyed, and the opportunities he had missed.
In the end, Tom realized that it was better to be a real nobody than a fake somebody. He learned that life was too short to waste on lies and deceit, and that true happiness could only be found in being true to yourself. As he lay in his prison cell, Tom found a measure of peace in knowing that he had finally learned that lesson, even if it had come at a great cost.
Some scenes from the movie The Talented Mr. Ripley written by A.I.
Scene 1
Characters:
– Tom Ripley: a cunning and charismatic young man
– Herbert Greenleaf: a wealthy shipbuilder
– Dickie Greenleaf: Herbert’s son, a carefree playboy
– Marge Sherwood: Dickie’s girlfriend
– Detective Vic: a determined police detective
Setting: New York City
Story:
Tom Ripley is a down-on-his-luck nobody who seizes the opportunity to be somebody by agreeing to help wealthy shipbuilder Herbert Greenleaf. Herbert offers to pay Tom to convince his son, Dickie, to return to the US from Italy. Tom sees this as a chance to escape his mundane life and accepts the offer. He travels to Italy, worms his way into Dickie’s life, and murders him when his plan goes awry. When the police begin to investigate, Tom must use all of his wits to evade capture.
Scene 1: “The Offer”
INT. HERBERT GREENLEAF’S OFFICE – DAY
Tom Ripley sits across from Herbert Greenleaf, nervous but ready to hear the offer.
HERBERT: Tom, I have a proposition for you. My son, Dickie, is living it up in Italy. He’s been there for months, and I can’t get him to come back to the States. I need him back here, and I need him now.
TOM: (eagerly) And how can I help you with that?
HERBERT: (leaning forward) I want you to go to Italy, find Dickie, and convince him to come back with you. I’ll pay you well for your services.
TOM: (surprised) Me? Why would you choose me for this?
HERBERT: (smirking) You’re a nobody, Tom. And nobody knows you. That’s why you’re perfect for the job. You can blend in, get close to Dickie, and convince him to come home.
Tom considers the offer, knowing that it would be a chance to escape his dull life.
TOM: (nodding) Alright, Herbert. I’m in.
HERBERT: (smiling) Good. You leave tomorrow. I’ll arrange everything for you.
Tom stands up, a sense of excitement and dread coursing through him.
TOM: Thank you, Herbert. You won’t regret this.
HERBERT: (smiling) I hope not, Tom. I hope not.
Tom leaves the office, his mind already buzzing with ideas on how to win over Dickie.
Scene 2
Characters:
Tom Ripley, a cunning young man
Herbert Greenleaf, a wealthy shipbuilder
Dickie Greenleaf, a playboy son of Herbert
Marge Sherwood, Dickie’s girlfriend
Freddie Miles, a friend of Dickie
Setting:
Italy, a picturesque and idyllic country
Dialogue:
Tom: “You have a beautiful place here, Dickie. I can see why you never want to leave.”
Dickie: “I could live here forever if I could. The sun, the sea, and all the beautiful women. What more could a man ask for?”
Marge: “A job, for starters.”
Dickie: “Ah, come on, Marge. Don’t spoil the mood. Let’s enjoy the beautiful day.”
Herbert: “Tom, have you had a chance to talk to Dickie about coming back home?”
Tom: “Not yet, Mr. Greenleaf. But I plan on discussing it with him soon.”
Herbert: “Good. I hope you can convince him. We miss him back home, especially his mother.”
Tom: “Don’t worry, Mr. Greenleaf. I’ll do my best to bring him back home.”
EXT. ITALY – DAY
Tom Ripley walks through the vibrant streets of Italy, grinning from ear to ear. He is living the life that he had always dreamed of – free from the constraints of his mundane existence. As he walks, he comes across a group of young people having a good time on a yacht.
Tom’s eyes scan the crowd and land on Dickie Greenleaf, a charming playboy who catches Tom’s eye. Dickie introduces Tom to his girlfriend, Marge Sherwood, and they all embark on a carefree and fun-filled life together.
As Tom gets closer to Dickie and Marge, he starts to feel comfortable enough to open up to them and reveals his true self. Although he initially tries to stay focused on the plan he was hired to carry out – to convince Dickie to return home- his personal insecurities start to take over.
Tom turns on the charm and becomes a fixture in their lives. He lures Dickie away from his trusted friends and family, and his hold over Dickie grows stronger with each passing day.
Dickie is completely oblivious to Tom’s real intentions, but Marge is not as easily manipulated. She has a strong sense of intuition and is suspicious of Tom.
Marge confronts Tom on his deceit and warns him to stay away from Dickie. Tom, however, has other plans and will stop at nothing to achieve his goals.
As the day comes to an end, the group is sitting on the yacht, sipping on drinks, and enjoying the sunset. Tom observes the group, and his mind starts racing with ideas on how to get Dickie to return to the US.
Tom: “You have a beautiful place here, Dickie. I can see why you never want to leave.”
Dickie: “I could live here forever if I could. The sun, the sea, and all the beautiful women. What more could a man ask for?”
Marge: “A job, for starters.”
Dickie: “Ah, come on, Marge. Don’t spoil the mood. Let’s enjoy the beautiful day.”
Herbert: “Tom, have you had a chance to talk to Dickie about coming back home?”
Tom: “Not yet, Mr. Greenleaf. But I plan on discussing it with him soon.”
Herbert: “Good. I hope you can convince him. We miss him back home, especially his mother.”
Tom: “Don’t worry, Mr. Greenleaf. I’ll do my best to bring him back home.”
The scene fades into the sunset as the group continues to enjoy their time together, completely unaware of the dark intentions of Tom.
Scene 3
Logline: An ambitious young man named Tom Ripley worms his way into the life of a wealthy playboy and his girlfriend in Italy, only to resort to drastic measures when his true intentions are threatened.
Characters:
– Tom Ripley: A calculating and manipulative young man who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals.
– Dickie Greenleaf: A wealthy playboy who is unaware of Tom’s true intentions.
– Marge Sherwood: Dickie’s girlfriend who becomes suspicious of Tom’s behavior.
– Herbert Greenleaf: Dickie’s father who hires Tom to bring his son back to the US.
Setting: Coastal Italy in the 1950s.
INT. DICKIE’S VILLA – NIGHT
Tom sits by the pool, sipping a drink, with Dickie and Marge by his side. They’re all laughing and joking, but something is off. Marge keeps giving Tom suspicious looks, and Dickie seems to be picking up on the tension.
DICKIE: Is everything okay, Tom? You seem a bit tense.
TOM: (forcing a smile) I’m fine, just a bit tired from all the traveling.
MARGE: (skeptical) You were acting strange at dinner last night, Tom. Is something bothering you?
TOM: (defensive) No, not at all. I’m just trying to adjust to the Italian way of living.
DICKIE: (playful) Come on, Marge, give the guy a break. He’s new to this whole thing.
MARGE: (sighs) Fine. I’m sorry if I’m being too suspicious, Tom.
Tom nods, but there’s something in his eyes that suggests he’s not as innocent as he appears.
LATER THAT NIGHT…
Tom sits alone in his room, going through Dickie’s things. He finds a letter from his father, Herbert, reminding him about his responsibilities back home. Tom realizes that this could be his way out, and he decides to use it to his advantage.
TOM: (to himself) Dickie’s days in Italy are numbered…
FADE OUT.
Scene 4
FADE IN:
EXT. ITALIAN VILLA – DAY
Tom Ripley sits by the pool, watching Dickie and Marge play in the water. He puts on a fake smile as Dickie offers him a drink.
DICKIE: “So Tom, what do you think of Italy?”
TOM: “It’s beautiful, Dickie. But it’s hard to enjoy it when I have work to do.”
MARGE: “What kind of work?”
TOM: “Herbert sent me here to convince you to come back to the US.”
DICKIE: “I already told him I’m not coming back.”
Tom takes a deep breath and begins to lay out his plan.
TOM: “I know you’re happy here, Dickie. But your father is worried about you. He just wants to make sure you’re okay.”
DICKIE: “I don’t need my father’s money or his worrying. I’m happy here with Marge.”
Tom turns to Marge, flashing a smile.
TOM: “And what about you, Marge? Wouldn’t you like to see America?”
MARGE: “I’ve never really thought about it, Tom. Why?”
Tom takes a sip of his drink, biding his time.
TOM: “I was just thinking, if we could convince Dickie to come back, we could all go together. Have a little adventure.”
Dickie raises an eyebrow, intrigued.
DICKIE: “That’s an interesting idea. What do you think, Marge?”
MARGE: “I don’t know, Dickie. It’s a big decision.”
Tom nods, realizing he’s made progress.
TOM: “Of course. It’s just an idea. But think about it, wouldn’t it be fun to explore new places together?”
Dickie smiles, thinking it over.
DICKIE: “Maybe you’re right, Tom. Maybe it’s time for a change.”
Tom smirks to himself, knowing his plan is working.
FADE OUT.
Scene 5
EXT. ITALIAN COAST – DAY
Tom sits alone on a rocky cliff overlooking the ocean. He is nervous and restless, continuously looking over his shoulder. Marge appears behind him, startling him.
MARGE
What’s going on, Tom? You’ve been acting strange lately.
TOM
(tense)
It’s nothing, Marge. Just a lot on my mind.
Marge looks at Tom intensely, sensing that something isn’t right.
MARGE
(confused)
It’s just that… Dickie’s been acting weird too. He’s been distant lately, like he’s hiding something.
Tom feels a knot in his stomach.
TOM
(nervously)
Dickie is just going through a phase, Marge. It’s nothing to worry about.
MARGE
(concerned)
I don’t know, Tom. I have a bad feeling about this.
Tom tries to reassure Marge, but his mind is racing with thoughts of his plan falling apart.
TOM
(calming)
Marge, trust me. Everything will be alright. I’ll take care of everything.
Marge nods hesitantly, not fully convinced.
TOM (V.O)
(to himself)
I have to do something before it’s too late.
Tom quickly stands up, leaving Marge behind on the cliff.
MARGE
(worried)
Tom, where are you going?
Tom doesn’t look back, his mind consumed by his plan.
TOM (V.O)
(to himself)
I have to get rid of Dickie. It’s the only way.
Tom hurriedly makes his way back to the villa, a determined look on his face.
FADE TO BLACK.
Scene 6
FADE IN:
INT. ITALIAN VILLA – NIGHT
Tom sits nervously, sweating profusely. His shirt and hands are stained with blood. He tries to calm himself as he hears a knock on the door.
TOM:
(trembling)
Who is it?
MARGE (O.S.):
It’s me, Marge. Open up, please.
Tom takes a deep breath and composes himself. He opens the door, and Marge enters.
MARGE:
What’s going on, Tom? Why did you leave the party so suddenly?
TOM:
I…I just needed some fresh air. I’m sorry for worrying you.
MARGE:
(gently touches his face)
Are you okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.
TOM:
(sighs)
I…I had to take care of something. It’s all over now.
MARGE:
(worried)
What do you mean? What’s all over?
Tom hesitates for a moment before blurting out the truth.
TOM:
Dickie is dead, Marge. I…I killed him.
Marge recoils in shock and horror. She can’t believe what she’s hearing.
MARGE:
(screaming)
What?! How could you?! You…you monster!
TOM:
(calmly)
Please, Marge. It had to be done. He was going to ruin everything.
MARGE:
(sobbing uncontrollably)
You’re a sick, twisted freak. I can’t believe I ever trusted you.
TOM:
(grabbing her)
Please, Marge. You have to understand. We can still make this work. We can be happy together.
Marge pulls away and starts to run towards the door. Tom grabs her again, but she fights back.
MARGE:
(screaming)
Get away from me! I never want to see you again!
Tom watches as Marge leaves, crumpling to the ground in defeat.
FADE OUT.
